I know you are excited to plan for your trip to Japan but the most confusing thing to plan– not only to you, but to most of the tourists –is to choose the best JR Pass they should purchase.

Since Japan has several JR Passes with different places covered by each, they might confuse people, especially if this is your first time hearing about these passes. To keep it simple, just scroll this page!
I will provide every important information for you to choose the best one for your trip. Pssst.. I know the pass is not cheap, that is why I am here to help you 😉

To start with, it is important to know there are a bunch of types available in Japan, but I will list 8 of the popular passes here.

Nationwide: Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass has unlimited travel destinations to almost all JR trains nationwide, including shinkansen (bullet train), JR trains, busses, limited express and JR ferries. If you are planning to go to several places all over Japan, such as Hokkaido, Niigata, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and so on, this pass is an ideal pass to purchase.

The pass traveling duration can be purchased for 7, 14 and 21 days. Each of them has different prices as well. This type of pass only available for foreigner with temporary tourist visa. Foreign nationals that are living in Japan are not eligible for purchase.

Hokkaido: JR Hokkaido Rail Pass

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass has unlimited travel destinations to almost all JR trains in Hokkaido, including shinkansen (bullet train), JR trains, busses, limited express and JR ferries. If you are planning to go to several places all over Hokkaido, this pass is a suitable choice.
The pass traveling duration can be purchased for 5 and 7 days; each has different prices as well. This pass is only available for foreigner with temporary tourist visa. Foreign nationals that are living in Japan are not eligible for purchase.

Tohoku: JR East Tohoku Area Pass

JR East Tohoku Area Pass offers unlimited travel destinations to all JR East operated trains in Kanto and Tohoku regions, including shinkansen (bullet train), JR trains, busses, limited express and JR ferries. If you are planning to visit several places across Kanto and Tohoku, like Niigata and Tokyo, this pass is an ideal choice.

The ticket traveling duration can be purchased for 5 days only. This pass can even be purchased by both foreigners with temporary tourist visa and foreign nationals living in Japan.

Kanto: Tokyo Wide Pass

Tokyo Wide Pass allows you unlimited travel destinations to all JR trains and some non-JR trains in Kanto regions, including shinkansen (bullet train), JR trains, busses, limited express and JR ferries. If you are planning to visit several places all over Kanto, this pass is an ideal pass to purchase.

The ticket traveling duration can be purchased for 3 days only. This type of pass can be purchased by foreigners with temporary tourist visa, and foreign nationals who are living in Japan too!

Chubu: Hokuriku Arch Pass

Hokuriku Arch Pass gives you unlimited travel destinations to all JR trains between Tokyo and Osaka regions via Hokuriku shinkansen, including JR trains, busses, limited express and JR ferries. If you are planning to visit several places all over regions between Tokyo and Osaka, this pass is an ideal chice for you.

The ticket traveling duration can be purchased for 7 days only. This type of pass is only available for foreigners with temporary tourist visa. Foreign nationals that are living in Japan are not eligible for purchase.

Western Japan: JR West All Area Pass

JR West All Area Pass has unlimited travel destinations to all JR trains in JR West, including Kansai, Hokuriku and Chugoku regions via shinkansen, JR trains, busses, limited express and JR ferries. If you are visiting several places all over regions between these areas, this pass is a great option for your trip.

The ticket traveling duration can be purchased for 7 days only. This type of pass is only available for foreigners with temporary tourist visa only. Foreign nationals that are living in Japan are not eligible for purchase.

Kansai: Kansai Thru Pass

Kansai Thru Pass has unlimited travel destinations to non-JR trains in JR West, in Kansai region via subways, busses and non-JR trains. If you are planning to visit several places all over across the Kansai region, this pass is the one for you.

The ticket traveling duration can be purchased for 2 or 3 days only. This type of pass is only available for foreigners with temporary tourist visa. It is not eligible to foreign nationals living in Japan.

Kyushu: Kyushu Rail Pass

Kyushu Rail Pass has unlimited travel destinations to all JR trains in the Kyushu region via shinkansen, JR trains, busses, limited express and JR ferries, except Sanyo Shinkansen. If you are planning to go to several places all over regions between these areas, this pass is an ideal pass for you.

The ticket traveling duration can be purchased for 3, 5 and 7 days. It is only available for foreigners with temporary tourist visa only. Foreign nationals living in Japan are not eligible for purchase.

Where to Purchase

You can purchase through official agents in your country. You can also buy them in a few appointed JR stations in Japan. BUT please note that the price in Japan may be a little bit higher compared to when you purchase them in your home country.

Do you have any more questions regarding the passes? Drop your questions in the comment below!

Zunita Ramli, Writer & Managing Director, Zaineeta Global PLT.
Graduated from Faculty of Engineering, University of Melbourne. She worked as a network engineer for a few years, then realized her passion in business and the beauty industry. Focusing on beauty lines, Tokyo Organic skincare (Made in Japan) offers halal skincare that only uses natural ingredients. She also likes to write articles, especially about Japan. Her articles has been featured many times in various websites, such as travel, life, and business.

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